2JZ-Powered Chevy Monte Carlo Drag Races Porsche Taycan Turbo, It's Not Even Close

For starters, the G platform was yanked out in favor of an X100-series Toyota Chaser. As you're well aware, that generation of the Chaser was offered with both the 1JZ and 2JZ, including a turbocharged version of the 1JZ. As a result, the Monte Carlo is rocking a 2JZ-GE with a massive turbocharger.

Estimated by its owner at 700-odd horsepower, the American coupe with Japanese underpinnings and oily bits further sweetens the deal with a sequential gearbox from Samsonas Motorsport. Equipped with Toyo Proxes R888R performance rubber and RAYS lightweight alloys, the Monte Carlo is anything but a Monte Carlo inside. From the carbon-fiber dash to the handbrake lever, quick-release steering wheel, digital instrument cluster, full cage, and Sparco racing seats, you cannot call this fellow a daily.

At just around 3,300 pounds (1,497 kilograms), Timofei's American-Japanese contraption is quite a bit lighter than Wil's almost stock 2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo. The only modification comes in the form of a look-at-me wrap designed by Wil's wife. Tipping the scales at 5,132 pounds (2,328 kilograms), the Porker is – of course – all-wheel drive.

That alone is a tremendous advantage over the Chevroyota. We also need to remember that electric drive units develop maximum torque much earlier than force-fed internal combustion engines do.

Add to that near-instant peak torque a two-speed transmission at the rear axle, with said tranny designed for improved acceleration off the line and better efficiency at highway speeds. Gifted with an overboost mode that unlocks 671 horsepower as opposed to 751 for the Turbo S, the Turbo is much obliged to clock 10.6s over the quarter mile.

Although the 2JZ-powered Monte Carlo sounds much better, the four-door sedan is tremendously quicker in a straight line. It should be mentioned that Hoonigan does 1,000-feet races instead of the more conventional 1,320 feet. Even with a 10-car advantage for the Monte Carlo at launch, the Turbo didn't break a sweat, passing it for the win.

For the third and final race, the Monte Carlo failed to redeem itself from a roll. It's easy to imagine certain internal combustion loyalists seething with fury after watching this video, but remember that electric vehicles are significantly different from regular cars. From the sound they make (or lack thereof) to the time required to charge the battery to 100 percent as opposed to five minutes tops for gas, it's not exactly an apples-to-oranges comparo.

Last but not least, everyone in this industry prepares for the zero-emission future with billions over billions of R&D money for electric vehicle development. Toyota, for example, unleashed a Land Cruiser-inspired electric concept at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon. General Motors is also all-in on EVs, whereas Porsche will retire the boxer-engined 718 series in favor of an all-electric sports car.